Strenght-training device

ABSTRACT

A strength-training device for developing the forearms, upper arms, and shoulders muscle groups comprising of two cylindrical gripping handles, with fixed concave surface end caps, that are connected by a cylindrical center joint piece having a concave surface on top, and an underbody cavity at bottom. A latching rod with a T-lock arm is situated in a secure hole of the center joint piece just below the main surface vertex line. An exercise cord with end loops and of adequate tension strength is secured to the latching rod at one end, and to free weight disc(s) at the other end. The use of free weights suspended by the exercise cord whereby the user raises and lowers the weights by rotating the gripping handles of the training device towards the body and away from the body is effective in achieving forearms and shoulders workout. Weight machine cables are attachable to the latching rod in place of the exercise cord. The use of a weight machine system in conjunction with the exercise device whereby the user performs bicep curls and triceps extension exercises is effective in achieving upper arms workout. Exercise cord may be wrapped around the training device&#39;s end caps, longitudinally, for easy storage when training complete.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to the field of strength training exercise devices, more particularly, to a device that develops strength and increases muscle mass in the forearms, upper arms, and shoulders. The invention, in particular, involves a multi-functional exercise device incorporating the use of free weights suspended by an exercise cord, and the use of a weight machine system to achieve the desired strength-training workout in developing the forearms, upper arms, and shoulders. There are various existing devices for strengthening the hands, wrists, forearms, and upper arms that operate on the principles of variable threading, tension, torque, and compression mechanisms. These devices range in degrees of effectiveness. Examples of prior art devices include U.S. Pat. No. 4,643,417 to Nieman, which discloses a manipulated exercise device comprising of two telescopic hollow tubes held together by a coupling mechanism. This internal coupling mechanism permits relative rotation of the two hollow tubes, via grippable outer surfaces, against two axially facing frictional surfaces within the tubes. Adjustment of pressure exerted on the frictional surfaces is controlled by a wrench externally. Another such device is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 3,184,234 to Struble, which discloses a hand-held device comprising a pair of cylindrical grips mounted coaxially with a friction member inserted there between, the grips being rotatable in opposing directions. End members may be tightened in the axial direction to increase or decrease the resistance.

[0002] Other issued patent devices such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,095,789 to Mueller, U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,542 to Wilkinson, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,695,094 to Ciemiega all lack the ability to significantly vary the weight or resistance of the device, rendering them less effective in strength training. U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,858, to Kolb utilizes free weight, but in an ineffective manner. All these aforementioned devices are also more complicate and expensive to produce.

[0003] It is the object of this invention to provide a simple and inexpensive to produce strength-training device directed at strengthening muscles and muscle groups in the forearms, upper arms, and shoulders, where the device can utilize free weights or be used in conjunction with weight machine a system to achieve the desired strength workout.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0004] The invention is a strength-training device for developing strength and increasing muscle mass in the forearms, upper arms, and shoulders. The training device comprises in general a center joint piece that is connected to two gripping handles with fixed end caps. Unique features of the center joint piece include a concave surface at the top, an underbody cavity at the bottom, and a secure hole that is bored through the side just below the concave surface. The training device includes an exercise cord that is supported by a latching rod, which is positioned in the secure hole. The use of free weights with the exercise cord allows the user to develop the forearms and shoulders by raising and lowering the free weights through curling motion of the training device with arms extended and parallel to the ground. The exercise cord may be wrapped around the training device's end caps, longitudinally, for easy storage when training is complete. The use of a weight machine system in conjunction with the training device allows the user to develop the upper arms by performing bicep curls and triceps extension exercises.

[0005] An objective of this invention is to provide a simple and inexpensive to produce strength-training device directed at strengthening and increasing muscle groups in the forearms, upper arms, and shoulders.

[0006] A further objective of this invention is the provision of a training device which can readily adapt to a weight machine system or be used independently using free weights to achieve the desired strength workout in the forearms, upper arms, and shoulders.

[0007] A further objective of this invention is the provision of a training device that can vary the resistance level by increasing or decreasing the desire amount of weights, and tailors to the individual user's condition level.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the strength-training device of this invention.

[0009]FIG. 2 is a front-side view of the device shown in FIG. 1.

[0010]FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the center joint piece.

[0011]FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the center joint piece taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 2.

[0012]FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional, perspective view of the center joint piece taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 3.

[0013]FIG. 6 is a front-side view of the center joint piece situated between the gripping handles.

[0014]FIG. 7 is a top view of the center joint piece.

[0015]FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the center joint piece.

[0016]FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of the left gripping handle, gripping handles of this invention are identical.

[0017]FIG. 10 is a side view of the left gripping handle.

[0018]FIG. 11 is an end view of the gripping handle looking directly at the end cap concave surface.

[0019]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the latching rod with the T-lock arm in a locked position.

[0020]FIG. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view of the latching rod with the T-lock arm in an unlocked position.

[0021]FIG. 14 is a side view of the latching rod in an upright position with the T-lock arm in an unlocked position.

[0022]FIG. 15 is a top view of the latching rod in an upright position with the T-lock arm in an unlocked position.

[0023]FIG. 16 is a fragmentary view of the exercise cord of this invention.

[0024]FIG. 17 and 18 are perspective views of the invention in use to develop muscle groups in the forearms and shoulders.

[0025]FIG. 19 and 20 are perspective views of the invention in use in conjunction with weight machine features to develop triceps and bicep muscles in the upper arms.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

[0026]  4 First cross-section directional view  5 Second cross-section directional view 10 The device of this invention 12 Main concave surface 13 Center joint piece 14a Cross-section wall of left gripping handle 14b Cross-section wall of center joint piece 15 Internal walls of underbody cavity 16 Column end cap 17a Left gripping handle 17b Right gripping handle 17c Left gripping handle internal wall 18a Left handle end cap 18b Right handle end cap 19 Exercise cord 20 Secure hole 21 End cap stopper 22 T-lock cavity 23 Underbody cavity 24 Main surface vertex line 25 End cap concave surface 26 End cap surface vertex line 27 Latching rod 28 Main rod column 29 T-lock arm 30 T-lock pin 31 T-lock arm housing slot 32a First end loop of exercise cord 32b Second end loop of exercise cord 33a Left hand 33b Right hand 34 Free weight disc (not part of invention) 35 Carabiner (not part of invention) 36 Weight machine pulley system (not part of invention) 37 Weight machine cable (not part of invention) 38 Weight machine weights (not part of invention) 39a First cord clip 39b Second cord clip

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] A perspective view of the strength-training device of this invention is illustrated at 10 in FIG. 1. The inventive strength-training device 10 is an exercise device for developing strength and muscle mass in the forearms, upper arms, and shoulders areas. The strength-training device 10 may be constructed from metal, dense polymers, suitably strong and rigid materials, or combinations thereof, that is capable of sustaining high stresses imposed upon it during use. Die-casting is the preferred means of manufacturing, but is not limited to other manufacturing techniques.

[0028] The strength-training device 10 comprises left and right gripping handles 17 a and 17 b that are firmly connected to the center joint piece 13 that is of a greater diameter. Gripping handles 17 a and 17 b can be hollow or solid in construction. The ends of gripping handles 17 a and 17 b are fixed to the solid left and right end caps 18 a and 18 b that are also of a greater diameter. End caps 18 a and 18 b feature unique concave surface 25 that terminates at end cap surface vertex line 26. The gripping handles are generally cylindrical and are sized to conveniently and comfortable grasped in the adult hands.

[0029] Center joint piece 13 has unique features that distinguish the inventive strength-training device 10 from all other prior arts. The center joint piece has a concave surface 12 that terminates at main surface vertex line 24. The concaved surface 12 concentrates the exercise cord 19 at the main surface vertex line 24 in order to provide stability and control during training, as illustrated in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18. Secure hole 20 houses and secures the latching rod 27 to the center joint piece 13. End cap stopper 21 is located at one end of secure hole 20, while the T-lock cavity 22 is located at the opposite end of secure hole 20. End cap stopper 21 prevents latching rod 27 from completely sliding through secure hole 20 during insertion of latching rod 27 into center joint piece 13. T-lock cavity 22 secures latching rod 27 preventing it from slipping out the opposite direction. The underbody cavity 23 underneath center joint piece 13 allows the attachment of exercise cord 19, carabiner 35, or weight machine cable 37 to latching rod 27.

[0030] The latching rod 27 consists of column end cap 16 firmly attached to one end of the main rod column 28. The T-lock arm housing slot 31 occupies the opposite end of main rod column 28, where the T-lock arm 29 is held in place by the T-lock pin 30. The latching rod 27 is constructed from metal, and preferably through die-casting manufacturing technique. Latching rod 27 is housed internal of center joint piece 13 through secure hole 20. Exercise cord 19, carabiner link ring 35, or weight machine cable 37 is attached to latching rod 27 during exercise workout, as illustrated in FIG. 17, FIG. 18, FIG. 19, and FIG. 20.

[0031] To place latching rod 27 in a locked position, swing the T-lock arm 29 ninety degrees to the left or right until the T-lock arm 29 is perpendicular to main rod column 28, as illustrated in FIG. 12. To place latching rod 27 in an unlocked position, swing T-lock arm 29 ninety degrees to the left or right until T-lock arm 29 is in lined with main rod column 28, as illustrated in FIG. 13.

[0032] To secure latching rod 27 to center joint piece 13, place latching rod 27 in an unlocked position, FIG. 13, insert latching rod 27 through secure hole 20 until column end cap 16 makes contact with end cap stopper 21. Swing the T-lock arm 29 ninety degrees left or right until T-lock arm 29 is perpendicular to main rod column 28, push latching rod 27 in the opposite direction until T-lock arm 29 makes contact with T-lock cavity 22, latching rod 27 is now secured to center joint piece 13. To remove latching rod 27 from center joint piece 13, push column end cap 16 inward until it contacts end cap stopper 21. Swing the T-lock arm 29 ninety degrees to the left or right until T-lock arm 29 is in lined with main rod column 28, FIG. 13, apply adequate force to T-lock arm 29 in the opposite direction until latching rod 27 is dislodged from secure hole 20.

[0033] The exercise cord 19 is constructed from small wire cable or other durable, elastic non-metallic material. It is of predetermined length with first and second end loops 32 a and 32 b secured by first and second cord clips 39 a and 39 b. Exercise cord 19 is of defined tension strength capable of withstanding high-tension pressure. Exercise cord 19 is attached to latching rod 27 by first end loop 32 a through the underbody cavity 23 of the center joint piece 13. The second end loop 32 b is secured to free weight disc(s) 34, FIG. 17.

[0034] The strength-training device 10 may be used in three ways. First way: Properly attach first end loop 32 a of exercise cord 19 to latching rod 27 at center joint piece 13, and secure second end loop 32 b to free weight disc(s) 34 of desired weight. Using proper stance while standing, and with arms fully extended directly in front, grasp the strength training device 10 in such a way that the arms are parallel to the ground and the free weight disc(s) 34 are suspended just above the ground. With both hands 33 a and 33 b, raise the free weight disc(s) 34 by alternately gripping and curling the strength training device 10 towards the body, continue this motion rapidly until free weight disc(s) 34 reaches center joint piece 13, FIG. 17. At this point, lower the free weight disc(s) 34 by alternately gripping and curling the strength training device 10 away from the body, continue this motion slowly until free weight disc(s) 34 is fully suspended again, FIG. 18. To complete the one count workout, continue alternately gripping and curling the strength training device 10 away from the body, continue this motion rapidly until free weight disc(s) 34 reaches the center joint piece 13 for the second time. Again, lower the free weight disc(s) 34 by alternately gripping and curling the strength training device 10 towards the body, continue this motion slowly until free weight disc(s) 34 is fully suspended back in the starting position. This completes the one count workout. Repetition of this exercise with variable amounts of weights effectively develops strength and increases muscle mass in the forearms muscle groups as well as the shoulders muscle groups.

[0035] Second way: With the assistance of a weight machine system, properly attach carabiner 35 to top weight machine cable 37 and to latching rod 27 at center joint piece 13, FIG. 19. With both hands 33 a and 33 b grasping gripping handles 17 a and 17 b palms down at the start position, exert powerful downward motion with the forearm, FIG. 19, all the while keeping both elbows locked close to the body and only pivot at the elbow joints. Return to start position by slowly controlling the ascend rate of the strength training device 10 with both hands 33 a and 33 b. This completes one count workout. Repetition of this second exercise with various weight machine weights 38 settings effectively develops strength and increases muscle mass in the upper arms triceps muscle groups.

[0036] Third way: With the assistance of a weight machine system, properly attach carabiner 35 to bottom weight machine cable 37 and to latching rod 27 at center joint piece 13, FIG. 20. With both hands 33 a and 33 b grasping gripping handles 17 a and 17 b palms up at the start position, exert powerful upward motion with the forearm, FIG. 20, all the while keeping both elbows locked close to the body and only pivot at the elbow joints. Return to start position by slowly controlling the descend rate of the strength training device 10 with both hands 33 a and 33 b. This completes one count workout. Repetition of this third exercise with various weight machine weights 38 settings effectively develops strength and increases muscle mass in the upper arm bicep muscle groups.

[0037] The exercise cord may be wrapped around the training device's end caps, longitudinally, for easy storage when training is complete.

[0038] The inventive strength-training device 10 has been described in detail with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof. Many variations, substitutions, and modifications may be made in departure from the particular construction and characterization in the drawings and foregoing description, without departing from the true spirit of the invention. Therefore it is understood that the invention should be limited only by the breadth and scope of the appended claims. 

What I claim as my invention is:
 1. A strength-training device that develops the forearms, upper arms, and shoulders muscle groups, comprising: (a) a large cylindrical center joint piece; (b) a plurality of cylindrical gripping handles with fixed end caps firmly connected to both ends of the said center joint piece; (c) a latching rod that situates at the center joint piece and to which a weighted exercise cord, carabiner, or a weight machine cable is latched; and (d) an exercise cord by which the said training device be curled around, and from which free weights are attached, whereby through a rotational motion of the said training device using free weights or a vertical motion of the said training device used in conjunction with a weight machine system with weights, a complete forearms, upper arms, and shoulders strength-training workout is possible.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said center joint piece, has a concave surface on top, an underbody cavity at bottom, and a secure hole boring through the width of the center joint piece just below the main surface vertex line.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein said cylindrical gripping handles with end caps, each end cap has a concave surface.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein said latching rod, includes a pivotal T-lock arm and is secured through the secure hole of the said center joint piece.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein said exercise cord, the cord is of predetermined length, width, tension strength, and consists of two end loops. 